Reliability (Mechanical Seals Failure Modes 2): Clogging: In extreme cases, the sedimentation on metal bellows shaft seals may prevent the axial spring action of the bellows.

Question

Clogging: In extreme cases, the sedimentation on metal bellows shaft seals may prevent the axial spring action of the bellows.

Martin Mc Neill · Accepted Answer

When the pumped medium has a high content of suspended particles and fibres, the seal can fail due to precipitation or consolidation of the particles and fibres on or at springs, bellows, seal-drivers or O-rings.